Take a Chance on Me by Jane Porter


Take a Chance on Me by Jane Porter
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Savvy stylist Amanda Wright loves Marietta, her hair salon, and her clients, and no client is more dear to her heart than eighty-year-old Bette Justice–even if her years have made her a little fragile. So when Bette asks Amanda for a favor—to convince her stubborn grandson that Marietta is her true home—Amanda can’t say no.

Tyler Justice, a successful game designer, has a one-track mind–he wants to take care of his beloved grandmother. He can’t understand her resistance to move to Texas and is sure that the young friend she keeps mentioning–Amanda–is taking advantage of his grandmother’s generosity. He reaches Marietta determined to put the salon owner in her place and bring his grandmother home…until smart, kind Amanda starts to tug at his heart in ways he never expected.

But just as Tyler and Amanda start to form a real connection, will a long-buried family secret destroy their chance at love?

I’ve always loved stories set in small towns and Take a Chance on Me hit all the right notes. The fictional town of Marietta felt like home, reminding me of the close-knit community I once lived in and still miss. The heroine, Amanda Wright, owns a local salon and genuinely cares for her clients. One standout is 80-year-old Bette, a beloved townsperson who doesn’t want to relocate to Texas to be with her grandson. I related to her deeply–moving away from your roots is no small thing.

Enter Tyler Justice, Bette’s grandson and the hero of the story. At first, I was skeptical of him—he arrives in Marietta with accusations against Amanda and a plan to drag his grandmother back to his home. But as the story unfolds, it was fun watching Bette and Amanda nudge Tyler’s perspective. His character arc was satisfying, especially as he began to truly understand the life his grandmother had built.

The romance between Amanda and Tyler had its share of ups and downs, making the happy ending all the more rewarding. Tyler’s company and Amanda’s family secret added layers of tension that kept me turning pages. I loved Amanda’s quirky flair—her love of the color pink, and how she boldly used it in unexpected ways. It was endearing to see Tyler come to appreciate that part of her personality.

Jane Porter’s writing was engaging, and I found myself breezing through the book in just a few hours. All I could heard when I saw the title of this book was Take a Chance on Me by ABBA—one of my all-time favorite songs. So, it feels perfectly fitting to say that I’m glad I took a chance on reading this book by Jane Porter! If you enjoy heartfelt romance, small-town charm, and a story that balances warmth with just the right amount of drama, I wholeheartedly recommend others take a chance on this delightful read!

For Love’s Sake by Kelli A. Wilkins


For Love’s Sake by Kelli A. Wilkins
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

She left everything behind to be with him.
He risked losing everything to stay with her.
They were willing to sacrifice everything… for love’s sake

Through a case of mistaken identity, Prince Kevan of Alborg narrowly avoids an assassination attempt and wakes to find himself trapped in mad King Torok’s rat-infested dungeon. Just when he is about to give up hope, he is rescued by an unlikely ally—Torok’s daughter, Princess Adrianna.

Adrianna is desperate to flee her father’s kingdom and agrees to help the handsome stranger escape, but only if he takes her with him when he leaves. Although Kevan knows bringing Adrianna home will not sit well with his father and lead to other complications, he agrees.

They make their way to a waiting ship captained by Kevan’s brother, Mikhael, and set sail for Alborg. Along the way they are lost at sea during a ferocious storm, battle a murderous mercenary sent by Adrianna’s father, and try to deny their intense romantic feelings for each other.

When they arrive in Alborg, Kevan’s father, King Lenard, disapproves of Adrianna and drops the bombshell that Kevan is already engaged to be married. While Kevan tries to get out of the arranged marriage, Mikhael introduces Adrianna to members of the nobility in an effort to win over the king.

At his engagement ball, Kevan is forced to choose between his duty to his father and his loyalty to Adrianna. Soon after, Adrianna is kidnapped and Kevan and Mikhael band together to hunt down her abductors and rescue her before it’s too late.

Yes, it’s true that the heroine, Adrianna, left everything behind to be with the hero, Kevan—but the reality is, she didn’t have much to leave behind. Her father certainly wasn’t winning any “Father of the Year” awards. On the other hand, Kevan risked everything, including his life, to be with Adrianna—and that kind of sacrifice was utterly swoon-worthy. Since both of them were putting so much on the line, I felt compelled to put my own life on hold and read For Love’s Sake uninterrupted.

Kelli A. Wilkins is one of my favorite authors, and this book is another perfect example of why. Her writing is fast-paced, vivid, and always emotionally gripping. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! With a whirlwind of mistaken identity, being lost at sea, abduction, and a steamy romance, there was never a dull moment. I genuinely had no idea what was going to happen next—and I loved every second of it.

In fact, I feel like I need to read this book a second time just to savor it properly. I devoured it the first time, rushing to the next scene because I couldn’t wait to see what came next. If you enjoy historical romance filled with drama, danger, and a deeply satisfying happily-ever-after, I highly recommend For Love’s Sake.

Lincoln by Alisa Jean


Lincoln by Alisa Jean
Los Angeles Quakes Hockey – Book 1
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

L.A. Quakes’ fans stomped their feet to cheers of “Caveman!” when I made incredible saves in the crease, leading the team to two Stanley Cup victories. I thought I could go on forever, but at thirty-six, the clock’s counting down even for Lincoln Cavanaugh. Social media and fan sites are filled with rumors of me being traded. Or worse. My future looks as uncertain as a loose puck on the ice.

My fate rests in the hands of Catherine Bishop, daughter of the team’s owner and a power to be reckoned with. And what fine hands they are, along with everything else about her. A chance encounter leads to sparks between us, but is falling in love with this incredible woman worth the risk?

Because with her by my side, I’m once again an unstoppable force between the pipes, and victories pile up like never before. However, our love is a ticking time bomb because Catherine has dreams of making history as the first female and person of color to own an NHL team. Sleeping with a player would make that all go up in smoke. I fear when the truth comes out, it will be the final buzzer for us.

A romance story where the hero is a hockey player? I had to read this book! I love hockey—I actually met my husband at a hockey game, and he used to play when he was younger. I put my phone on silent and read this book faster than it takes to make a trick shot.

It was easy to relate to Lincoln Cavanaugh because I understand what it takes to play a sport at a professional level. The dedication, commitment, and perseverance are never-ending. The physical toll is unimaginable, and the responsibility to the team, family, friends, and fans can feel overwhelming. The author, Alisa Jean, did a fantastic job writing a realistic and relatable character in Lincoln Cavanaugh.

I fell in love with Lincoln for many reasons, but the biggest was how he never lost sight of the joy he felt when he played hockey as a kid. He stayed grounded throughout his successful career and humbly gave back to his local youth hockey programs. Often, what begins as fun, competitive, and character-building sadly turns into a business, and players can lose the love for the sport—or worse, become arrogant. Alisa Jean also nailed this reality by creating some arrogant teammates on Lincoln’s NHL team, the Quakes, which added even more authenticity to the story.

Catherine, the heroine, was a perfect match for Lincoln. Their chemistry was strong throughout the story, and the drama between them kept me intrigued. I’ll admit, at first, I found Catherine a little selfish, and there were moments when I felt she wasn’t good enough for Lincoln. However, as their relationship evolved, I saw how they balanced each other out beautifully, and Catherine won me over by the end.

I’m so excited this is Book One in the Los Angeles Quakes Hockey Series because I’m already eager to dive into Book Two!

One thing that was new to me: at the end of the book, there was a QR code to scan for a bonus scene. To get it, you had to sign up for the author’s newsletter. I’ll be honest—I felt a little manipulated. I wouldn’t have downloaded it if I hadn’t loved the story so much. Thankfully, the bonus scene (which felt like an epilogue) was absolutely worth it and gave the book a truly satisfying happily-ever-after.

I’m officially a Quakes fan, and I’ll be eagerly stomping my feet and cheering for the second book in this series!

King of Hearts by M. Jean Pike


King of Hearts by M. Jean Pike
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

After keeping a secret promise to a friend, Harper Blessings’ s life is spiraling out of control. Her food truck barely pays the bills, she’ s raising her rebellious brother and caring for her forgetful aunt…and she’ s four months pregnant.

When Aunt Clara wanders off at a carnival and hires the carousel operator who rescues her to do odd jobs, Harper’ s house-of-cards life begins to topple. The last thing she needs is a handsome drifter complicating her already problematic life. Or so she thinks.

Drifter Dalton Kingston has a few secrets of his own. Growing up as a child of privilege, he wanted for nothing…except love. Then an unspeakable tragedy causes him to walk away from it all, pushing love as far away as possible. Until love pushes back in the form of a beautiful woman who desperately needs his help, and the God he’ s not sure he can forgive.

This was a wholesome, inspirational, and heartwarming romance set in a small town where everyone knows your name.

Harper, the leading lady, is doing all she can to keep her head above water. Dalton, the leading man, is simply trying to make it through another day. They’re drawn to each other by their shared compassion and natural instinct to care for others. It’s amazing how their faith in God allows them to open their hearts again after the heartbreak they’ve experienced from people who were supposed to love them unconditionally.

I found their love story to be especially encouraging because it tackled the theme of forgiveness—-something that can be incredibly challenging. Several characters in the book demonstrate what it looks like to forgive others, and in doing so, offer hope that forgiveness is not only possible, but necessary for personal healing and the strength of relationships.

Aunt Clara is a standout character. She’s the glue that holds both her family and the town of Redford’s Crossing together. I’d even go as far as to call her an angel in disguise. Her presence is endearing and uplifting, and she brings out the best in those around her.

The writing style immediately pulled me in–from page one, when Aunt Clara wandered to the carousel and met Dalton. The plot is original, the pace is steady, and the ending is absolutely delightful.

This is the kind of story I could happily read more than once. I wholeheartedly encourage others to give it a try.

Made To Love You by Nan Reinhardt


Made To Love You by Nan Reinhardt
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

She’s not looking for love, but a handsome veterinarian and a lost puppy have other plans…

Gorgeous and gifted, Annabelle Walker is a force of nature. A talented architect who has brought new designs and concepts to her family’s construction firm, Anna’s happy and doesn’t feel anything’s missing from her life, even as her siblings have all fallen in love this year. And then she finds an injured puppy on a bike ride.

Veterinarian Sawyer Braxton is lost while driving to his first day at Price Veterinary Clinic. He stops to ask directions of a bicyclist on the side of the road, and discovers three things: She’s beautiful, stranded with a flat tire, and holding an injured puppy. Sawyer’s fascinated, and it feels like fate as he offers the intriguing and vibrant woman a ride to the vet clinic.

It’s a meet-cute, and Annabelle’s definitely attracted, but she’s determined that this time, she really will take a break from men. Sawyer’s as stubborn as he is sexy, and he hits on a plan for a date—they’ll both foster the pup while it heals.

The synopsis for Made to Love You comes close to revealing a bit too much for this meet-cute romance, but thankfully, two unexpected surprises near the end made the story even more enjoyable and pleasantly caught me off guard. This was definitely a modern, contemporary read that was quick, fun, and thoroughly entertaining.

Annabelle, the heroine, is a beautiful, intelligent, and talented architect recovering from a recent breakup. I found her situation with the injured, lost puppy to be relatable—especially her uncertainty in how to care for it. Her humorous reactions throughout that experience made me smile and connect with her even more.

Enter Sawyer—a new-in-town veterinarian and the hero of the story. He swoops in to help Annabelle with both the puppy and, in some ways, her heart. His idea for them to co-foster the puppy until a permanent home could be found was clever and sweet. The chemistry between Annabelle and Sawyer was sensual and heartwarming, leaving me with that fuzzy feel-good feeling.

How the puppy ended up lost, the journey Annabelle and Sawyer go on together, and the resolution of both the romance and the pup’s future made the book absolutely worth reading.

I highly recommend Made to Love You by Nan Reinhardt. Her writing style had me turning pages with a smile and joy in my heart.

What Might Have Been by Marianne Plunkert


What Might Have Been by Marianne Plunkert
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Desperate to escape a lecherous uncle, Melissa Sullivan stows away in a wagon departing Nebraska City for the Colorado territory. She has resolved never to be subservient to any man as her aunt was, and especially not to the high-handed Union Army Lieutenant Nathaniel Bellamy, who seems to think he can make decisions for her because he happened to find her hiding in his wagon.

Upon arriving at their destination, Lieutenant Bellamy reports to his post while Melissa is given an opportunity to fulfill her goal of being self-sufficient by a kind, considerate, and handsome mine owner but wonders if her choice is worth the price.

How can two strong-willed people set aside their pride to give love a chance?

I found myself relating to the title What Might Have Been more than I’d like to admit. The heroine, Melissa Sullivan, faces several moments in her life where she’s left to wonder about the different paths her life could’ve taken. Interestingly, the hero, Nat Bellamy, has his own “what might have been” reflections, which makes the title feel especially meaningful. What stood out most to me was the message that it’s more important to look forward in life than dwell on the past—because, ultimately, we can’t change what’s already happened.

The story is a romance between Melissa and Nat. Their chemistry is undeniable, though they don’t act on it for quite some time. Miscommunications, emotional walls, and life circumstances continually keep them apart. Other than a few sweet kisses, it’s a mild romance in terms of heat, but the emotional depth carries the story.

What really sets this book apart is its plot—it’s raw, touching, and full of grace-filled moments. Without giving away too much, there’s a powerful reason why Melissa is living with her aunt and uncle, and the story takes off when she escapes the clutches of her cruel uncle. From there, it’s a dramatic adventure filled with tension and heart. I appreciated that Nat was strong, capable, and a true gentleman, especially given the challenges of traveling by wagon to the Colorado Territory.

Nat’s two best friends, Al and Tom, are essential to the story. Their presence adds richness and depth, and the narrative wouldn’t be the same without them. Melissa also makes a friend named Mavis, who becomes a source of encouragement and genuine companionship. While there are other characters who make appearances throughout the book, these five form the emotional core of the story.

What Might Have Been held my attention from start to finish. It was well-written, emotionally engaging, and ultimately delivered a satisfying happily-ever-after for Melissa and Nat. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of historical romance—it’s a heartfelt journey worth taking.

Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus


Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Melody is fostering her niece while her sister, Captain Opal Erickson, is deployed to Kuwait. A chance meeting at work with Clayton, a construction manager, awakens feelings of the love and romance. Everything is perfect until Opal reveals a family truth and swears Melody to secrecy.

To honor her sisterly pledge, Mel attempts to reject any advances from Clayton, until he guesses the truth. Torn between loyalty to Opal and love for Clayton, she pours herself into work, making a mess of everything. When the dust settles, Mel is left wondering if she’ll be able to put the pieces of her life back together.

Chance Meeting was such a fun and heartwarming read. I completely agree with the praise comments shared at the beginning of the book. Melody is a relatable heroine as she navigates the challenge of living a balanced life. Like many of us, she struggles to juggle work, family, responsibilities, and making time for herself. It’s all too easy to become overwhelmed and burned out—and sometimes, it takes hitting rock bottom to recognize your limits. I admired Melody’s dedication, persistence, and strong moral compass. I found myself truly invested in her love story because she genuinely deserved a happily-ever-after.

The hero, Clayton, felt almost too good to be true. He’s handsome, successful in his career as a construction manager, romantic, and a natural with kids. Melody is fostering her niece, Kansas, while her sister, Opal, is deployed. Watching Clayton step in and help—especially when he pulled off an adorable camping-themed sleepover for a group of girls—was both entertaining and endearing. It was beautiful how Melody, Clayton, and Kansas seemed to fit together so naturally, like a ready-made family.

Chance Meeting is an easy, engaging read with a smooth-flowing plot. Things progress without major complications—until Melody’s sister drops a family bombshell and swears her to secrecy. The drama that followed had me on edge, especially the impact it had on Melody’s relationship with Clayton. Just when you think Melody has reached her breaking point, another plot twist emerges, pushing the story into even more emotional territory. I was completely hooked, wondering how she would pull her life back together.

All the tension only enhanced my enjoyment of the story. The chemistry between Melody and Clayton was both tender and sensual, and I loved watching them open their hearts to the possibilities of a shared future. They both value family, share common interests, and are thoughtful and respectful toward one another’s feelings.

The best part? The ending. Every plot thread was wrapped up beautifully, leaving me fully satisfied and smiling. I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion. I highly recommend taking a chance on Chance Meeting—it’s a sweet, emotionally rich romance that’s well worth the read.

Whippoorwill Hill by Jules Parker


Whippoorwill Hill by Jules Parker
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

After a rocky divorce, Leslie Downing travels to the small town of Rosemont, Kansas, to lick her wounds and help renovate her uncle’s newly acquired home. But when a handsome policeman comes knocking on her door, she soon finds out that Rosemont harbors some dark secrets–and that her own problems pale in comparison to the trouble headed her way. Ex-sheriff turned ex-con, Dane Chappell, has lost everything at the hands of Rosemont’s crooked mayor. In his quest for revenge, he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process, not even the beautiful, stubborn newcomer who now occupies his home. When the temperature rises, can Leslie handle the heat? Or will Dane be the one going down in flames?

I almost didn’t pick up this book because the synopsis revealed so little—but that turned out to be its genius. I was intrigued by how a small-town sheriff could become an ex-con and even more curious about what would drive him to risk his freedom for revenge. Who was the mysterious outsider standing in his way, and why was she there? I was ready for a romance wrapped in a suspenseful mystery, and my imagination couldn’t have prepared me for what unfolded. The storytelling was incredibly creative, and now I understand why the synopsis was so vague—there would have been too many spoilers!

What I can share is that the heroine is Leslie Downing. Her eccentric uncle, Claven, bought a house in a small town, and she arrived early to get everything set up before he moved in. Leslie is intelligent, grounded, and guided by a strong moral compass; her special bond with her uncle adds an extra layer of warmth to her character.

As with any small town, there’s a full cast of quirky, interesting characters—but I’ll let you discover them for yourself. I love when a story makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a community where everyone knows each other, secrets simmer beneath the surface, and loyalty runs deep… mostly.

Then there’s Dane Chappell. Ooh la la. This former sheriff turned ex-con turned brooding hero is the strong, justice-driven character I couldn’t help but swoon over. The chemistry between Dane and Leslie was instant and electric, and their emotional tension kept the pages turning.

This suspenseful romance had more plot twists than I could’ve ever predicted. Just when I thought I had things figured out—bam! Another twist. I wasn’t even close to guessing the real culprit behind it all.

If you’re in the mood for a gripping mystery wrapped in steamy romance and small-town charm, this book delivers on every level. Just be prepared—you’ll want them to bronze the last cookie (inside joke), and you won’t want to put the book down.

The Marriage Bribe by Amber Cross


The Marriage Bribe by Amber Cross
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Prissy is drowning in debt. Her only hope lies in finding a man equally desperate to marry her for six months so she can cash in on a big payout.

Logan has a solid reputation as a respectable businessman, yet he’s worried that won’t be enough to guarantee custody of his late brother’s unborn child.

When Prissy offers him a bribe-half her money for six months of his life-he takes the deal to strengthen his case with the courts.

Prissy doesn’t care why he agrees, if it means she can sleep through the night without visions of debt collectors coming to take her away.

It’s a simple deal. Live together for six months, and they both walk away better for it. But will they be able to walk away from the attraction growing between them?

When I opened The Marriage Bribe to the title page, I noticed a tagline beneath the title: A grumpy/sunshine marriage of convenience love story. I couldn’t have summarized the plot better myself—it perfectly captures the essence of this book.

The hero, Logan, carries emotional baggage so heavy that it fully justifies his grumpy demeanor. Personally, I’d describe him as downright bad-tempered at times, considering how mean he could be. Meanwhile, the heroine, Prissy, is the ultimate ray of sunshine—relentlessly positive and full of energy. She presents Logan with an offer he can’t refuse: a marriage of convenience. If they stay married for just six months, they’ll both receive a significant sum of money.

At first, Prissy doesn’t know (or care) why Logan agrees to the arrangement—she’s too focused on her own financial struggles. She’s drowning in debt, and this deal is her only way out. However, the why behind her situation turns out to be a dramatic plot twist I didn’t see coming. Her reason for needing the money also explains her over-the-top optimism, which makes for an interesting contrast with Logan’s brooding personality. Between the two of them, there was almost enough drama to drown me—but luckily, the supporting characters helped balance the story and kept it flowing smoothly, leaving me eager to keep reading.

Set in a small town where everyone knows each other and lends a helping hand, the story has a charming community feel. From Prissy’s coworkers and family to Logan’s close-knit group of friends, I loved how the secondary characters enriched the narrative and made the town feel real.

The chemistry between Prissy and Logan was sweet. Their mutual attraction was complicated by the boundaries of their agreement but watching them navigate those feelings made the romance even more satisfying. I especially enjoyed the ending, when they renegotiated the terms of their marriage—I always love a happily-ever-after!

If you enjoy small-town romance with a grumpy/sunshine dynamic and a heartfelt love story, The Marriage Bribe is definitely worth a read.

Strange Bedfellows by Steven Donahue


Strange Bedfellows by Steven Donahue
Publisher: Conquest Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

“Politics makes strange bedfellows, and I like to keep my sheets clean.”
Hayfield’s current mayor, Jade Weatherby, thought she had the mayoral race in the bag. That was until cafe owner, and Independent candidate, Finn Haley joined the game.

Amidst their political rivalry and social pressures put on them by the small town’s populants, Jade and Finn immediately fall for one another.

When a third candidate for mayor emerges with plans that could endanger the town, Jade and Finn are forced to make tough decisions about their careers and their growing relationship.

Let me start by saying that Strange Bedfellows is a truly unique contemporary romance. It’s unlike any other romance novel I’ve read—it doesn’t resemble the stereotypical Harlequin love story, nor would I compare it to a Hallmark movie.

I’ll admit, I was initially unaware of all the meanings of the word bedfellows. I assumed it only referred to two people sharing a bed, but I’ve since learned that it also means an alliance. And that’s exactly what this story is—an alliance between Jade, the heroine, and Finn, the hero. At first, I expected some steamy chemistry between them, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, the romance in this book was mature, respectful, and deeply rooted in mutual admiration.

Jade and Finn are political rivals, both running for mayor. Jade is the current Democratic mayor, while Finn is running as an Independent. I’m not particularly interested in politics, but the synopsis mentioned a third candidate emerging with plans that could endanger the town, forcing Jade and Finn to make tough decisions. That element of unknown danger intrigued me, which is why I decided to give this book a chance.

The romance between Jade and Finn was sweet and understated. As an older couple, their dynamic was mature and responsible. Their chemistry was subtle—they shared a few kisses while dancing, but overall, they carried themselves with class. Their playful banter over who would win the election made for some entertaining moments.

The heart of the story revolves around Jade and Finn’s mayoral race. I enjoyed the feeling of being behind the scenes, watching the political drama unfold. Finn’s father, who also happened to be Jade’s campaign manager, was an interesting character, as was Jade’s assistant, Raydrick Lee. The third candidate, Preston Slade, brought a suspenseful element to the plot. There were also several side characters that enriched the story and made the small-town setting feel immersive. I was glad I didn’t have to cast a vote in the election—it would’ve been a tough decision!

If I had to vote on whether this book is worth reading, my answer would be yes. Strange Bedfellows provided an enjoyable escape and was a great way to pass a few hours.